5 Things to think about While Selecting a Financial Planner

by JAMES BAILEY Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

Unlike someone calling himself a CPA or a physician, almost anyone can call himself a "financial planner" or a "financial advisor" no matter their educational background and professional experience. Moreover, not all of them are unbiased in their advice and not all of them always act in their clients' best interests.

To ensure your financial planner is well-qualified in personal finances and impartial in his advice, consider the subsequent five things:

1. Planning Credentials: Having a highly-regarded credential in financial planning, like Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), confirms that the professional you plan to figure with has acquired the education and knowledge necessary to function a financial planner. CFP and PFS credentials are awarded to only those individuals who have met the certification requirements of education and knowledge in planning for private finances. Additionally, they need to pass the certification examinations and agree adhere to the practice standards and continuing education requirements.

2. Material Expertise: Financial planners are planning professionals, not necessarily material experts. for instance, a financial planner are going to be skilled in tax analysis and planning, but unlike a licensed Public Account (CPA) or an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) he won't necessarily be a topic matter expert when it involves tax rules Similarly, a he might be skilled in chalking out an investment plan, but unlike a Chartered securities analyst (CFA) he might not be an authority within the subject of investments. Work with a financial planner who is additionally a topic matter expert in those areas of private finance that are important in achieving your financial goals.

3. Client Specialization: Not all financial planners serve all kinds of clients. Most concentrate on serving only certain sorts of clients with specific profiles. For instance, a private planner may build his expertise and customize his services to serve only those individuals and families who are in certain professions, or a specific stage of life with specific financial goals and net worth. Ask whether the planner focuses on serving only certain sorts of clients with specific profiles to work out whether he's the proper fit your situation and financial goals.

4. Fee structure: The fee structure largely determines whose interests he serves best - his client's or his own. A Fee-Only professional charges only fees for his or her advice whereas a Fee-Based professional not only charges fees but also earns commissions, referral fees and other financial incentives on the products and solutions they recommend for you. Consequently, the recommendation from a fee-only one is more likely to be unbiased and in your best interests than the recommendation from a fee-based financial planner. Work with knowledgeable whose fee structure is conflict-free and aligned to profit you.

5. Availability: He or she should be regularly available, attentive, and accessible to you. Ask the planner what percentage clients he currently serves and therefore the maximum number of clients he's getting to serve within the future regularly. This clients-to-planner ratio is one among the key factors in assessing your planner's availability to you within the future. Also, ask which planning activities are typically performed by the planner and which of them are delegated to a Paraplanner or other junior staff members. Lastly, confirm the planner is definitely accessible via phone and email during normal business hours.

Once you've got shortlisted a couple of well-qualified and unbiased financial planners in your local area, consult those who offer a FREE initial consultation first. During the initial consultation, assess the planner's availability and the other professional attributes you're seeking in your financial planner and Accounting Services.

Having a well-qualified and unbiased financial planner by your side is extremely important in your journey towards your financial goals. When checking out one, consider the planner's professional credentials, client specialization, material expertise, fee structure, and availability to pick the proper financial planner for your needs.